Zara Phillips joins Artemis Challenge

Eventing World and the Queen's eldest grand-daughter to sail around the island next week

Zara Phillips, Eventing World Champion, is the latest high profile name to be announced as a contender in the third annual Artemis Challenge on 5 August. Zara will be sailing onboard Artemis Ocean Racing in the charity event, which sees many of the greatest sailors from the Open 60 racing circuit compete for £10,000 for their chosen charity.

Zara’s skipper for the race will be another exceptional sportswoman, Sam Davies. Sam completed the last Vendée Globe finishing in an impressive fourth position, the first woman round. In stark contrast to three months alone at sea, The Artemis Challenge is a sprint event, 50 fast miles around the Isle of Wight.

With two successful sportswomen and an experienced crew including co-skipper Sidney Gavignet, Artemis Ocean Racing will be competing on behalf of ‘Skill Force’, their nominated charity. Skill Force is a dynamic education charity that uses predominantly ex-armed forces personnel to develop and run inspiring programmes that increase the number of young people entering education, employment and training after leaving school.

Zara Phillips isn’t the only big name to be taking part in the race, amongst those trying to keep the girls from the prize, will be rock star Bryan Adams who is going to be sailing onboard Artemis The Profit Hunter with skipper Simon Clay. Another Vendée Globe finisher, Steve White, will be welcoming British television actress Denise Black onboard Toe in the Water with him.

The talented young skippers might not have it all their own way, as a gentleman with just a little more experience than them would love to spoil the party. Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, who completed his historic solo-circumnavigation of the world in 1969 would be delighted to celebrate the 40 year anniversary with a big win for charity at Cowes onboard his Eco 60 Grey Power.